The Official Publication of St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church

Volume 20, Issue 2

February 2012

25th Anniversary

Celebration ● 2

Parishioner

Profile ● 4

Lenten Vespers

Services ● 5

Parish Council

Corner ● 6

Vasilopita

Sunday ● 11

Lord, You know that men are flesh and blood; forgive them their sins and pour out Your blessing on all. — St. Haralambos

Page 2 St. Haralambos

Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012 7 p.m. Great Vespers for the Feast Day of St. Haralambos

Refreshments afterwards in the Social Hall

Friday, Feb. 10, 2012 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy

celebrating the Feast Day of St. Haralambos

Refreshments afterwards in the Social Hall

Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Parish 25th Anniversary and Family Celebration

Social Hall

Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012 9 a.m. Orthros

10 a.m. Divine Liturgy

Coffee hour and fellowship in the Social Hall

Save the Dates Parishioners and friends of St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church mark your calendars for these dates and events as we celebrate the feastday of our patron saint. Additionally, we’ll celebrate and honor our 25th Anniversary as a parish.

Look for more details in upcoming weekly Sunday bulletins. Save the dates, mark your calendars and see you then!

25th St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church

Anniversary

In Touch Page 3

St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church

Rev. Michael Pallad

www.stharalambos.org

Sunday Worship

September - May Matins: 8:45 a.m. Divine Liturgy: 10 a.m.

June - August Matins: 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy: 9:30 a.m.

Office

623-486-8665 7950 W. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Peoria, AZ 85383 Office@StHaralambosAZ.com FrMichael@StHaralambosAZ.com

Hours Monday - Friday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Parish Council

Roy Christian David Durgam Dennis Georgen Dimitri Gryparis Mary Manos Dean Milonas

George Miller Chris Theotocatos Peter Vardalos Lee Vordos Ken Wrona

Contact In Touch at Office@StHaralambosAZ.com

The 40-day Blessing

CLERGY COLUMN FR. MICHAEL PALLAD

A beautiful service, typically the first blessing that is offered to an individual, is the 40-day blessing of infants. The initial prayers offer thanks to God for preserving the mother in childbirth, and welcome her back into the church congregation. The prayers for the infant offer blessings not only for good health, but also in expectation of the sacrament of baptism.

Where does this service come from, and why does the Orthodox Church offer this blessing to infants? Again, the prayers in the service text provide the answer: many references are made to the 40-day entrance into the temple of our Lord Jesus Christ, the commemoration of which is celebrated on February 2nd each year.

Recorded in the gospel of St. Luke, (2:22-32) Jesus was brought to the temple in fulfillment of the Old Testament law for first-born males. This was a presentation and dedication to God of the child. Mary, the blessed Theotokos, brought Jesus to the temple for this blessing, and was met at the entrance by a man named Symeon. Upon seeing the infant Christ, Symeon is deeply moved because his prayers had just been answered: here was the long-awaited Messiah!

Symeon had been told by the Holy Spirit, “that he would not see death

before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.” (vs. 26) The blessed day had come, and Symeon took the Lord into his arms and in thanksgiving to God, spoke the following words: “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.” (vs. 29-32)

This blessing has been continued in the Orthodox Church, for both male and female infants, on the 40th day after their birth, and it is a joy to behold!

It is also an additional reminder of how our lives are connected to God through His Holy Church throughout life. The prayers that thank God for the birth of the child bring to mind the miracle of birth, and the miracle of life, lest we ever forget or take them for granted.

Watching an infant begin to explore his or her surroundings is also a joy, and brings to mind a host of questions, fears and hopes for their future. Watching first-time parents, and listening to how children change their outlook on life, is also a joy to see. Many books on parenting are available, some that offer much good advice and experience; but there is no book that addresses every child’s needs! Nothing

takes the place of hands-on parenting, from moms and dads that put the needs of their children first, and make the time to witness the joy of their children growing and experiencing life in a loving home.

The 40-day blessing is good for parents to remember the gift of life, and to connect that gift with our good and loving God. It is good for parents to connect the blessings of God with His Holy Church, and to bring their children regularly so they become familiar with its sights, sounds and smells. I’ve heard from countless adults who have left the Church for a time, but have vivid childhood memories of the Church. Many times it is these memories that help bring them back to the Church, and feel like they have returned home, particularly after having their own children.

The feastday of the Lord’s Presentation in the Temple commemorates an event in our Lord’s life that was in fulfillment of religious law. The 40-day blessing of infants today is also a beautiful prayer service to help remind us of God’s never-ending care for us, and of our need to be connected with Him through the Church established by His Son.

It is good for parents to connect the blessings of God with His Holy Church,

Page 4 St. Haralambos

Welcome to this special monthly column as part of this year’s 25th Anniversary of St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church. Each month we’ll spend some time with a member of our parish to get their memories, views and insights about the history, development and future of our parish. This month’s interview is with George Christie.

Question: How many years have you been a steward at St. Haralambos?

Answer: I was fortunate to be part of the original group that founded the Church before it became St. Haralambos. We first met at a restaurant, then a nursery and then an elementary school before we found a permanent church building.

Q: Where were you born and raised and what brought you to Arizona?

A: I was born in Cleveland, Ohio and we moved to Arizona to help my mother’s asthma condition. I have been in Arizona for 65 years.

Q: What activities and groups have you been involved in at St. Haralambos?

A: I was involved with the original group that formed the Church, served two terms on the Parish Council and worked in the accounting and banking center during the annual festivals. Prior to joining St. Haralambos, I

served on the Parish Council at Holy Trinity in Phoenix.

Q: What are some of your memories of the founding of the parish 25 years ago?

A: I enjoyed meeting all the people over the years that have joined our parish and seeing their dedication to the church and sharing their Orthodox Christian faith with others.

Q: What would you like to see happen in the next 5-10 years of our parish?

A: I think our parish has a bright future and I really enjoy our current property and building facilities. We’ve already seen big growth since we came to this property and I think we’ll continue to see more growth, more people coming to the Orthodox faith and bigger festivals. I would mostly like to see more activities and

involvement for our youth with things like scholastic opportunities, sporting events, oratorical festival participation and Greek dancing.

Q: What legacy would you like today’s parishioners to develop and leave for future generations during the next 25 years?

A: Keep doing the things we’re doing today with the excellent In Touch newsletter, great annual festival with its terrific food, good leadership by the Parish Council, fellowship by Philoptochos and the hard-working office staff. I think more social events allowing the parishioners to get to know each other and continued youth involvement will help lead our parish for the next 25 years. Eventually it would be great to have a scholarship for college-bound students from our parish, develop and host GOYA activities while also being able to send our youth to annual GOYA conventions. I have great memories of participating in GOYA activities and youth basketball tournaments growing up and would like to see our youth have those same experiences and chance to meet other Orthodox young adults from all over the country at events and tournaments.

Q: Anything else you would like to share?

A: I think our parish is going in a positive direction and has a bright future.

25th Anniversary

Do you know the members of our Parish Council? Their names are listed on page two of our newsletter – but would you recognize them if you saw them on Sunday morning? If not, make it a point to introduce yourself

and get to know your parish leaders. Their desire is to continually find ways to improve and expand the ministries of St. Haralambos Church. If you have ideas or suggestions, they are the ones to speak with. Pa

rish

Coun

cil

Parishioner Profile

In Touch Page 5

PARISH NEWS Great Lent & Holy Week Readers

English readers are needed to offer prayers for the Great Compline, Liturgy of the Pre-Sanctified Gifts and prayers at the Theotokos Akathist Services each week during Great Lent. Holy Week readers will offer prayers for services during our most Holy Week.

If you are curious or interested in participating in this ministry, come to our introductory meeting on Sunday January

21st in the library after Divine Liturgy. Reading assignments are shared between all readers. You can read as often as we can accommodate and coordinate all of our readers. This Ministry is extremely rewarding; you are immersing yourselves in our Orthodox Faith. It is a wonderful opportunity to become engrossed in the most important, wondrous and awesome Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Orthodox Bible Study

The Bible Study class will meet in February on Wednesday evenings at 7 pm. Please look in the monthly bulletin for alterations of the schedule. We are now in the middle of the Gospel of John. We welcome all church members as well as any other interested individuals to participate in these discussions. No special skills are needed and you can step in at any time.

If you have any questions, please contact Ted Manos at 623-698-6078.

Stewardship The response to the 2012 Stewardship

Brochures has been fantastic so far. Thank you to all families that have returned them. We remind others who have not yet done so, please complete the brochure – especially the section asking for participation in the various parish organizations and committees.

We are committed to teaching that Stewardship in the Church is not just about financial support, but about giving our time, talents and treasures back to God by supporting and being an active part of the Church. For some, this is a new concept! The Church is not a club or charity organization; it is the Body of

Christ, the ark of Salvation established by our Lord for the salvation of souls. All parish activities, including liturgical worship, fellowship, education and service exist to remind us of the nature of the Church.

The annual stewardship brochure is a concrete way for us to offer our time, talent and treasures that are all gifts from God. If needed, additional brochures are in the Church office; just ask a parish council member for assistance. If St. Haralambos Church is your parish home, please complete and return your 2012 Stewardship Brochure by the end of the month. Thank you!

2011 Lenten Vespers Services The Sunday of Orthodoxy March 4, 2012 Holy Trinity Cathedral 1973 E. Maryland Ave. Phoenix 602-264-7863

The Second Sunday of Lent March 11, 2012 Assumption Greek Orthodox Church 8202 E. Cactus Rd., Scottsdale 480-991-3009

The Third Sunday of Lent March 18, 2012 St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church 4436 E. McKinley Street, Phoenix 602-275-7360

The Fourth Sunday of Lent March 25, 2012 Sts. Peter & Paul Orthodox Church 1614 E. Monte Vista Road, Phoenix 602-253-9515

The Fifth Sunday of Lent April 1, 2012 St. Haralambos Church 7950 W. Pinnacle Peak Rd. Peoria 623-486-8665

All Vespers Services Begin at 6pm

More Information: www.arizonaorthodox.org

Page 6 St. Haralambos

ORGANIZATIONS Philoptochos By Reni Milonas, President

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:40

Dear Brothers and Sisters of Christ,

Happy 25th Anniversary! It has been an incredible 25-year journey to get where we are today, thanks be to God. The Philoptochos will be providing refreshments after the services for the Feast Day of St. Haralambos, on Thursday, Feb. 9 at 7 pm and Friday, Feb. 10 at 9 am; contributions are always welcome.

We are in need of coffee hour hosts and we are in need of volunteers to help during and clean-up after coffee hour is over. What a wonderful way to fulfill your

spiritual gifts of time and talent. If you are interested, please contact Valla Wrona or Reni Milonas.

Philoptochos membership is due this month. (can be paid in one check)

• National dues: $15

• Metropolis dues: $10

February National Commitments

Autism Assistance Fund

• Heightens awareness of Autism with assistance and support

• Amount determined by chapter

Saint Photios Shrine

• Provides assistance to preserve the Saint Photios National Shrine

• Amount determined by chapter

Next meeting is Feb. 6 at 6:30 pm

Parish Council Corner Sunday School By Martha Stithem

This month our Sunday School students in grades 7-12 continue to prepare for the upcoming St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival in the spring. Also, our 4-6th graders are encouraged to participate at the parish level. Participation at either one of these grade levels is a wonderful opportunity for our students to grow in their Orthodox faith.

By Dennis Georgen, President

Anniversaries, they are a time to reflect on the past and a time to think about tomorrow. This month, Arizona celebrates 100 years of Statehood; St Haralambos, 25 years as a Parish. What a wonderful point in our history.

Looking back, our Community has much to be proud of. And at this point in time, we also have much to look forward to.

Some years ago, during my first term as Parish Council President, I recall a conversation with Father Michael when we were discussing strategic plans for our Church. I suggested that we should set a target to be in our new Church home for our 25th Anniversary. Little did I know that we would beat that goal by a full two years! And yet, here we are.

At the time of that conversation, our Parish Family numbered about 125

stewards. Today, we are approaching 175, a 40% increase, and as much as half of that growth has occurred in the last few years. Yes, great things are happening here at St. Haralambos, and the energy is building every week!

At the fall General Assembly, we adopted a vision statement for our Church. We said: “We are a loving Christ-centered community whose mission is to keep, practice and proclaim our Orthodox Christian faith as a living presence to those around us”

Powerful words, but they will have impact only if each of us takes a moment during this 25th Anniversary celebration and reflect on exactly what these words mean personally.

As we think about tomorrow, and what we as a Parish family intend to accomplish over the next 25 years, let’s keep this vision in mind.

In Touch Page 7

St. Christopher’s Bookstore The Heart, An Orthodox Christian Spiritual Guide by Archimandrite Spyridon Logothetis, 2001, 110 pages

“Create in me a clean heart, O God…” David (Psalm 50. LXX)

When we think of the human heart some things that instantly come to mind are love, life and health. This author asks us to expand our understanding and think of the heart as the life of our soul. In this small, easy-to-read book, Logothetis interprets and refers to Holy Scriptures and Patristic texts to explore the condition of the human heart and acquaint us with its purification.

The author tells us about the three elements of the heart: man’s feelings (affect or sensations), man’s volition (will), and man’s mind (cognition). The goal for Christians is for all these elements to flow together, for unbreakable unity, for our heart to be one.

God’s kingdom is in our heart. There comes Grace and enlightenment, courage, joy and peace. But evil also comes to the heart. We are exposed to wicked thoughts and temptations, greed and envy. “Sin interrupts the unity of the heart. It focuses the mind on material things and occupies it with earthly pleasures... In this way, the heart is severed.” Inside the darkness of an unclean heart fear and hatred reside.

Hypocrisy also fills an unclean heart. The author reminds us that God is concerned with our internal intent and not with our

external acts. God knows the depth of our heart and searches for our aim in the deeds we do. He knows when our motives are self-centered and false and warns that those who do their deeds to be seen by men will feel His wrath and condemnation. “What can He do with our gifts, our offerings and donations when He sees that our heart is given somewhere else? What can He do with our good deeds when He sees that we do them out of a lawful duty, or so people won’t accuse us, or even more, so people will praise us; or at least so we won’t have a remorseful conscience?”

God wants us to love him from a pure heart. The riches of a pure heart are many. They include insight, divine radiance, knowledge of God’s wisdom, freedom from worldly noise, and true love. But the avenue toward this pureness of heart is a difficult task. Before purification can happen, one must focus inward and search with honesty and humility at the darkness within. Then the heart opens and with God’s Grace and our struggle bad things will be removed and the heart will be cleansed. We must use the power of prayer for purification, especially the prayer of the heart, “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy upon me a sinner.”

Other ways towards purification of the heart include repentance and grieving. It is through the tears of mourning and grief for our sins that we find true clarity. Saint John Chrysostom says, “tears have great power… martyrs pour out blood, sinners pour

tears.” Additional ways to purify the heart include participating in church life and worship, applying God’s commandments, fasting, and remembering the face, name and life of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Purification does not happen quickly and there is danger and arrogance in thinking that it comes easily. Purification of the heart is a lifelong process and cleansing happens slowly and in stages. That is why one must continue practices to protect and preserve the goodness in it. To do this, silence and calmness are needed. A chaotic life only fills the mind with “chatter” and creates anxiety, agitation and disorder. Internal attention leads toward the Kingdom of Heaven that is inside all of us, if only we listen.

The author concludes with a beautiful and inspiring challenge, “Oh! If all of us Christians decided to stop giving all our interest to external events, to foreign things, to the beauty of our surroundings, to faces, to acts…And if we decided to turn our glance and our interest towards our insides, towards our internal condition, to our own things, to the beauty of our heart and to the ordering of our internal affairs!”

ORGANIZATIONS

Page 8 St. Haralambos

NEWS FAMILY

Birthdays

Christina Harris (1) Kalliope Chafoulias (4)

Nicholas Wysmierski (4) Koula Ratliff (5)

Matthew Stithem (7) Kenneth Wrona (9)

Esther Lampropoulos (11) Kerri Stamas (11)

Peter Vardalos (11) David Solomon (13) Chris Birtsas (14)

Giorgio Thomas (14) Emil Sprintz (17)

Mihaela Munteanu (22) Dennis Georgen (24) Solomon Tesfay (24) Timothy Harvey (25)

Robert Kinniburgh (25) Mary Manos (26)

Elizabeth Baxter (28) Misty Harris (29)

If you don’t see your name, or those of family members, and would like to be included on the monthly birthday listing, please send the information to the church office.

Sacraments Congratulations to Ryan and Misty Harris on the baptism of their daughter, Aubrey

Anna, on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2011. Aubrey’s godmother is Jerod Nicholas. May God grant her many years of good health and happiness.

Congratulations to Ryan Nicholas Harris, on his Chrismation into the Orthodox Church on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2011. May God grant him many years of good health and happiness.

Congratulations to Gary and June Nicholas on the 40-day blessing of their daughter, Madison, on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2011. May God grant her many years of good health and happiness.

St. Agathi (5th) St. Theodore Stratelates (8th) St. Haralambos (10th) St. Theodora the Empress (11th) St. Zacharias (11th) St. Christos, the Gardener (12th) St. Meletios (12th)

SS. Aquila and Priscilla (13th) St. Theodore (17th) St. Agapetos (18th) St. Evstathios (21st) St. Photini (26th) St. Kyranna (29th)

Name Days Many years/Chronia Polla to those named after the following saints:

Youth Group By Lindsay Vardalos and Chrissy King

February 20

The Youth Group will be having its next meeting on Monday, Feb. 20. We will meet for pizza at 5 pm and our meeting will start at 6 pm The kids will be making their own icons and Father will also bless them. Please join us!

February 26

The Youth Group will be sponsoring a Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, Feb. 26 for the entire parish. We will need volunteers to bring in items, help with cooking, clean up, and serving. All proceeds will benefit our Youth Group to fund our Holy Friday Retreat. The sign-up sheet is outside the Preschool Room in the hallway.

March 1

We will be having a Holy Friday Retreat planning meeting Thursday, Mar. 1 from 9:15 – 11 am at the home of Lindsay Vardalos for anyone who would like to help plan the retreat.

April 13

Mark your calendars now... our Holy Friday Retreat will be held on Friday, Apr. 13 from 10 am to 3 pm. If you are willing to help in any way (planning, lunch, crafts, lessons, Myrrh bearers), please let Lindsay Vardalos know.

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Page 10 St. Haralambos

STEWARDSHIP

2012 Pledge Update Number of Pledges: 114

Amount Pledged: $91,248 Average Pledge: $800

Olga Fredericksen

Michael & Kay Fulghum

Dennis & Victoria Georgen

Dennis & Shirley Germenis

William & Elaine Winn

Anna Giles

Demetrios & Magda Gryparis

*Helen Haidopoulos

Evelyn Hansen

Angela Hapgood

Mary Harrington

Christina Harris

*Timothy & Kathleen Harvey

Alice Hecht

Don & Andriana Henson

Alvin & Jeannette Hollander

Melani Ioannou

Judy Jolly

June Joynson

James & Alice Kambanos

Leon & Sophia Karandreas

John & Mary Karavaras

*Annette Karones

Julie Karoutas

Christopher & Chrissy King

Laine Kinney

Robert & Anna Kinniburgh

Chris & Lourdes Kotsobeis

Esther Lampropoulos

Tom Langas

Pam Lemons

Larry & Sharon Magnani

Maria Maniatis

Arthur & Mary Manos

Theodore Manos

Dorothy Masley

William McBride

Despina Medina

Dean & Reni Milonas

Ann Morley

Irene Nathanson and Christine Gerou

Toula New

Gary & Yvette Nicholas, Sr.

Ethel Nicholas

Penny Obren

Marius & Stella Pagos

Catherine Pallad

Fr. Michael & Kristin Pallad

Tony & Ruth Panousopoulos

Ioannis & Erini Papamatheakis

Maria Papamatheakis

Mike & Stefania Papamatheakis

Louis & Arleen Pappas

Terry & Chrissy Pritchard

*Ted Quintas

Ronnie & Koula Ratliff

Nikita & Josette Reisler

Peter & Lauren Retsinas

William & Brittany Retsinas

Kimon & Dorothy Ayan

Christine Batalis

Peter & Lois Batalis

Jean Baxter

Chris Birtsas

John Callas and Alice Zeng

Kalliope Chafoulias

Sue Charbel

Maria Christian

Roy Christian

George & Patricia Christie

James Constant

*Marc & Zondra Cooper

Florence Curran

Michael & Chryss Danielek

Val Danos

Mary Dascalos

Charles & Mary Davis

Bill DeMoss

Charles DeMoss

Chris DeMoss

John & Marjorie DeMoss

Arliss Dennison

Aphrodite Devolites

Zoee Dress

Lola Durand

David & Luta Durgam

Ron & Sandra Dutton

Gale & Paula Farr

Jeff & Judy Farr

Mary Robbins

Dutch & Eve Rosenberg

Bereket & Nardos Russom

Duane & Nadia Schepers

Connie Scouffas

Charlotte Servetas

John & Catherine Simmons

Melanie Singleton

George & Sharon Speros

Emil & Mary Sprintz

Paul & Martha Stithem

George & Irene Stratos

Carl & Dina Surman

Katherine Tally

Peter & Lindsay Vardalos

Lee & Dorothy Vordos

Joseph & Maria Wardzinski

Raymond & Emily Wirsing

Kenneth & Valla Wrona

Raymond & Mary Wysmierski

Anna Yacyshyn

Alireza & Elaine Yaghooti

George & Helen Yannakopoulos

Thalia Zorbas

*Indicates new steward family.

Updated: 1/23/2012

Parish Families Making a 2012 Stewardship Pledge

In Touch Page 11

Parishioners Celebrate Vasilopita Sunday Church Organizations Honored At a special coffee and fellowship hour held after Divine Liturgy Sunday, Jan. 8, Fr. Michael cut the Vasilopita while Parish Council President Dennis Georgen announced the Church leaders and parish organizations honored with each piece of the delicious Vasilopita.

Church leaders and Parish organizations honored were:

• Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew

• Archbishop Demetrios

• Holy Cross Seminary

• Metropolitan Gerasimos

• Father Michael

• Altar Servers

• Parish Council

• Philoptochos

• Stewardship Committee

• Sunday School

• Youth Group

• Church Choir

• Sunday Greeters

• Office Staff

Finding the gold coin and ensuring a special and blessed 2012 was Maria Christian. Additionally, several homemade Vasilopitas were sold via an auction to those in attendance who generously raised $400 that has been sent to the Archdiocese’s Saint Basil Academy, an Orthodox home serving children in need, located in Garrison, N.Y.

Thank you to everyone who prepared Vasilopitas and supported our donation to St. Basil’s Academy.

Greek Festival Mark your calendar now for the 25th Annual Taste of Greece scheduled for Friday – Sunday, October 26, 27 and 28. The Festival Committee will be meeting in early March to start the planning process. Please start thinking of ways in which you might be able to contribute your time, energy and ideas to ensure that the “25th Anniversary” Festival is another spectacular event.

OPA! Pam Lemons

St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church 7950 W. Pinnacle Peak Rd. Peoria, AZ 85383

NONPRFT ORG U.S. POSTAGE

PAID Permit #209

Peoria, AZ